Continuing John's Joy

We recently lost a father, husband, son, son-in-law, brother, uncle, coach and friend. John Cini was the person who greeted you with a smile and a hug, infecting everyone with his laugh. He was just 43 years old.

In October, this charismatic and caring man was diagnosed with cancer. With Megan by his side he faced this tragic news with a warrior’s mentality; he was going to fight hard. John battled this disease for 10 weeks. He faced so many physical and mental challenges in a short time and did so with strength and dignity.

John was also selfless during this time. Befriending other patients, nurses, medical students and even touching the hearts of his amazing team of doctors at the University of Penn, making them laugh when there wasn’t much to laugh about. But as we know that was John.

He had a love for Megan and his girls that knows no bounds -- he was the first to hold your baby or play with toddlers and sideline sisters. He was a big kid himself and a teammate to both Meg and his friends.

We met John on the soccer and lacrosse fields and he quickly went from sideline parent to friend. For us and our girls, “Coach” was a term of endearment. John gave many of our kids permission to be themselves, to pursue their dreams (even going back to school for his own) and to take up space, which is the epitome of a #girldad.

This GoFundMe is our attempt to continue John's gift to his kids so they can pursue any dreams they want in the future. The money will go directly to Meg to put away for future endeavors for each of them.

The girls and Megan are lucky to have wonderful family around them during this difficult time but there is no life insurance for John.

John’s spirit will be felt at gatherings and the fields. His light will shine through Lily (11), Noelle (9), and Chelsea (6). John’s legacy will be carried on by the many, many people his reach touched. We are asking you to leave your first or favorite memory of John so his girls and Megan can read them and have them in their hearts.